THE Philippines is inviting Czech tech firm ERA for the development of the domestic information technology (IT) and development sector with the aim of positioning the country as a regional leader in innovation, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual met representatives from ERA on March 15 in Prague to discuss the company's doing business in the country.

"ERA's plans align perfectly with the Philippines' strategic vision for economic development. We're excited about the immense potential for collaboration and technological knowledge transfer between ERA and other leading industrial players," Pascual said in a statement on Saturday.

The Czech company plans to enter other crucial industry sectors, including software development, IT infrastructure support, manufacturing, final assembly and maintenance services in the Philippines.

With more than 1,000 companies in the semiconductor and electronics sector and around 3 million employees, the DTI said that the country offers a strong foundation for ERA's plans.

ERA also expressed its willingness to make substantial contributions to both military and civilian sectors in the Philippines, further enhancing the potential partnership.

"This partnership has the potential to significantly bolster our nation's technological capabilities, ultimately creating new jobs and solidifying our position as a regional leader in innovation," said Pascual.

The Trade department said that the company also showed interest in tapping into the skilled workforce of the Philippine IT and business process management (IT-BPM) industry, known for its innovation and capability to handle digital and complex tasks.

With a large number of graduates each year, estimated at 800,000, the Philippines offers a reliable talent pool for companies like ERA looking to grow their presence in the country.

"ERA's ability to cater to both government and private sectors strengthens its position as a valuable partner for the Philippines," the DTI said.

Pascual also said the potential collaboration aligns perfectly with the "Make It Happen" initiative. "The DTI and BOI (Board of Investments) stand ready to provide them with the necessary support to establish their operations here in the Philippines," the Trade chief said.

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